The Graduate

The weather couldn't have been better this past Thursday.  It was 7pm, the sun was still shining bright yet the playground tent cover gave us just enough shade so we could see without squinting.  Parents were sitting on the playground on the white rental chairs that wiggled in the sea of wood chips.  There was excitement in the air as well as anticipation....and everyone was jockeying for the same position:  where can I sit/stand so I can get the perfect picture of my kid?

I don't think there was a parent/grandparent/relative/stranger in attendance that didn't have some sort of device strapped to their hand to capture the moment when our little ones would make their grand entrance.  We usually get so-so seats no matter how early we arrive.  And, in the past I have had to contend with the parents who have cameras with zoom lenses that could capture the shot of a gnat 4 blocks away!  Oh, but things have changed --  I now have to dodge around parents holding up a big ol' iPAD for the entire duration of the year-end school program so I can't see while my daughter's singing and dancing to "Surfin' USA."

OK - slight exaggeration - but really, out of the 90 or so photos I took, I got about a decent dozen shots.  And where are they?   Here, of course!

Without further hesitation, I present to you,

 our daughter, Kristina DeAnn,

Pre-School Graduating Class of 2012!

The year-end program theme:  Hawaiian Luau

Kristina and Gaby (left) make their entrance to the playground stage.

"Look - there's my daddy!"

I LOVE this action shot.  Kristina can really shake those hips and flip the hair!

Someone is having FUN!

While the younger class performed, the 5-year olds quickly got dressed into their cap and gown.
Here is Kristina with her teachers, Mrs. Maurine and Mrs. Rena.

Gaby and Kristina:  the dynamic duo, BFFs

I'm yelling calling out "Kristina!  Look!"  What does she do?
Kristina closes her eyes and nods her head and continues walking.
That girl is watching too many princess movies...

Patiently awaiting her name to be called out...

Yeah, Kristina!!

Kristina singing her heart out to:  The World is a Rainbow

Grampa and Nana made it to see Kristina graduate!

With Mrs. Toke, Pre-School Director

Proud Papa and Mama!

As soon as we came home, Kristina had to show off her cap and gown to our neighbor and friend, Uncle Marc.

Our little girl is blossoming in front of our eyes....

...but back to reality!  Soon after getting home, Kristina offered to wash all the dishes.  I'm kinda liking this big-girl thingy!